Tag Archives: Views

Discovering Pittenweem

I love discovering small hamlets and villages near the capital. Granted Pittenweem is still a fair distance but definitely doable in a day.

What a lovely village. I have since learned that the name is derived from Pictish and Scottish Gaelic. “Pit-” represents Pictish pett ‘place, portion of land’, and “-enweem” is Gaelic na h-Uaimh, ‘of the Caves’ in Gaelic, so “The Place of the Caves“!

I missed the caves but that gives me a reason to return in Spring. This fishing village has been in existence since the medieval period. As I made my way to the harbour, I passed the fish market where the daily catch is sold. It made me smile as it dawned on me that this scenario has most likely taken place for centuries. Amazing!

The network of alleyways

I loved meandering along with the multitude of alleyways that all seemed to meet at the harbour.

As I got closer to the harbour I was greeted by the local gulls. I was convinced that they smelt fresh food in the air 😆 They were singing for their lunch!

Even on that brisk, cold and windy day, it was a joy to be by the water in this village. As always I found the water therapeutic but on this occasion, the surroundings were also wonderfully picturesque.

A 360 view of Pittenweem Harbour

There was hardly anyone around which was perfect for me but then again, I was out and about in frigid temperatures wandering the eastern coast! So not surprising that visitors were few.

Stacked rocks found at the end of the harbour

At the end of the harbour, I found stacked rocks. While living in Canada I use to think of stacked rocks as a way of telling the next traveler “Hello” while pointing them to a safe course to continue their journey. I always found that comforting. Now as I roam Scotland, I have come to realise that these stacks are more commonplace than I had originally thought. Regardless, I still find them comforting. On this day, the stacked rocks marked a spot for my break! A great spot for my hot beverage and a bite to eat before making the journey home.

After my break, I slowly wandered back through the lanes and quaint stores for my return trip. I found the entire trip invigorating.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

The Ride to Hunter’s Tryst in Edinburgh

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have a tendency to hop onto a bus and ride it to the end. This was one of those occasions. Apparently, my destination was Hunter’s Tryst on Bus route 5

It was a really pleasant ride. Quite frankly any ride that takes you through Morningside is lovely.

Morningside Station Clock and Station stop

This blog post is really to show part of the ride and give a sense of this lovely city and capital away from the centre. It really is quite scenic.

Part of the ride to Hunter’s Tryst

When many think of Edinburgh, the Old Town, New Town and the castle come to mind. As lovely as those areas are, there is so much more. These photos represent an alternative view of the Bonnie capital. Look how pretty it is! Even in Winter!

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Walking to Edinburgh Marina

I have gone to Granton in Edinburgh countless times but have never walked to the Marina! Why is that? So on this walk, I was on a mission to go there. It was a small goal but a goal nonetheless. LoL!

Junction of Four Railway Hiking Paths

To get there, I decided to walk the old railway paths of which there are many. That is an adventure in itself ie making sure I was going in the right direction.

After walking through tunnels, bridges, and multiple paths, I finally reached Granton’s waterfront.

I took a leisurely walk along the coast of Wardie Bay. Usually my journey would end there.

Peek-a-boo view of Edinburgh Marina

However, I had my sights set on the Marina which I could see opposite the Granton coastline, by the pier.

So this time I continued until I ultimately reached Edinburgh Marina.

Even though it was somewhat overcast, the reflections were lovely. I was also intrigued by the presence of a canoe made from a single log!

I also chuckled by the lonesome seagull that seem to be on guard.

At this point of the walk, I did my normal thing. Found a seat, pulled out a flask and drank hot tea ☕️

Goal accomplished!

Let me know what you think in the comment section. I am always happy to hear from you.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Panoramic View of Craigmillar Castle

A short note today. I just had to share. I ventured out to Little France Park in Edinburgh as part of a group walk. It was windy and very much on the cold side!

But this majestic view of Craigmillar castle made it worth it!

Even with all the foliage stripped back, it still had amazing presence. Just saying.

Don’t you think so?

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Walking Corstorphine Hill

I don’t know why I decided to walk to Corstorphine hill! It was really muddy but for some reason I did.

As I approached the hill I was surprised to see a crocus! A little out of place but there it was! A sign of more to come. Spring is coming.

View of the Pentlands near the entrance of Corstorphine Hill

I entered Corstorphine hill via Clermiston which in itself was quite the view. I could actually see the Pentlands.

I took the path that went around the perimeter of the hill. I attempted to go up the hill, but I was slipping and sliding all over the place and thought the better of it. So I kept to the perimeter.

My muddy boots, camera and make-shift hiking stick aka branch

So after making a make/shift hiking stick, I took a leisurely walk through the woods.

Midway I found that coveted seat with a view! I popped open my flask, sat down, and took in that scene.. I stayed there for quite some time. I eventually continued my walk.

I love fresh moss! There was plenty to enjoy on this path. It is so easy to understand how this forest could inspire tales of folklore. As I progressed, it was lovely to see snowdrops scattered throughout the forest floor.

The wild snowdrops topped my day.

Let me know what you think in the comments section. If you liked the post, why not sign-up to follow my blog for future posts.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Seat With A View. Stonehaven

Here are a couple of pics to add to the “seat with a view” theme.

I absolutely loved this view looking down on Stonehaven Harbour in Aberdeenshire.

It was breathtaking. An amazing panoramic view of the harbour and beyond.

Let me know what you think in the comments section or by hitting the like button.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022